By Brian Peloza
Staff Writer

Coming out of high school, Purdue tennis player Jennifer Embry wasn't heavily recruited. But after her stellar four-year career at Purdue, some of those college coaches may be regretting their decision to overlook her.

Purdue coach Mat Iandolo said those coaches were more worried about the aspects of Embry's game that needed improvement, instead of looking at the positive attributes of the senior.

"Some of the top coaches couldn't see the forest through the trees," Iandolo said.

Iandolo, though, said he could see that Embry had a bright future. He said he wanted Embry to become a Boiler after high school because he could tell that she was a player that had a lot of desire and love for the game.

"I saw a player that had a lot of physical skills in terms of her ability to hit the ball," Iandolo said.

Embry credits the confidence Iandolo has shown in her to her improvement over the years.

"They’ve had so much faith in me," said Embry. "Mat and Chris (Karges) are two coaches that really believed in me — there were a lot of coaches in the country that didn't think I would succeed as much as I have."

Iandolo said Embry is a great player to have on the team because she is easy to coach.

"Jennifer never gets defensive when you critique her," Iandolo said. "I wish every coach in this department had five days to coach Jennifer Embry."

Embry's record is proof enough that Iandolo made the right choice by recruiting her. The senior amassed 67 singles victories during her first three years, which included 27 victories last year. She has had even more success in doubles competition. The Houston native made it to the NCAA tournament the last two years.

Embry teamed with Johanna Hall during her freshman season, and in her sophomore year she paired with Mary Beth Maggart. After the graduation of Maggart, she joined forces with Missy Wright. But because of an injury suffered by Wright, Embry has spent her senior year playing with classmate Shannon Taheny.

"It's tough because you have to get used to each partner, and it takes a little while to get used to their playing style," said Embry.

Embry will be making her third straight appearance in the NCAA doubles tournament later this spring. This season, the duo of Embry and Taheny has posted a record of 23-10 and a ranking of 19th in the country. Embry hopes to make Purdue history by becoming the first All-American in women's tennis.

"It's not getting there anymore — I want to be an All-American," said Embry, who will have to win at least two doubles matches in the NCAA tournament to achieve that status.

Embry hopes success such as that will help propel her into a professional tennis career. For at least a year, she is going to try to make it in the pros. She will start with some lower level tournaments and try to work her way up to larger ones.

"It's pretty much a dream, something that I have always wanted to do since I was little," said Embry. "I've gotten this far, and I am not ready to stop playing yet."

Embry said the support of her family is one reason she has been so successful.

"I just want to say thanks to my family, extended family and friends for being so supportive," she said.